Wire-fence machine.



P. w., J. w. & w. SOMIMER.

I WIRE FENCE MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED smmn, 1903.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

I w my TOHS W/ TNE SSE 8:

PatentedAug. 1, 1911.

P. W., J. W. & W. SUMMER.

WIRE FENCE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1903.

Patented Aug. 1, 1911.

9 SHEETSSHEET 2.

WITNESSES.

' v (K [3 1 h I V P. W., J. W. & W. SUMMER. WIRE FENCE MAGHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1903.

999,411. Paiented Au 1, 1911.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

a Q 1 K1 WITNESSES.-

-P. W., J. W. & W. SUMMER.

WIRE FENCE MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1903.

99,%] 1 liamtemzed Aug. 1, 1911.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

P. J. W. & W. SUMMER.

RE FENCE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1903.

999,41 1 I Patented Aug. 11.

EETS- HE T 5 Mafia 61-16? P. W., J. W. & W. SUMMER. WIRE FEN'cE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1903.

Patented Aug. 1, 1911.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

W. & W. SUMMER.

P. W., J.

WIB

E FENCE MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 11, 1903.

Patented Aug 1, 1911.

9 SHEETS-8531M 7.

with e was 1/ 1?. W J. W. & W. SUMMER.

WIRE FENCE MACHINE.

APPLICATION IILED'SBPT. 11, 1903.

Patentd Aug. 1, 1911.

Jvwezworw 9 SHEETS-BHBIIT 8.

P. W., J. W. & W. SOMMER.

. WIRE PBNGEQVIAGHINE. APPLICATION FILED'BEPT. 11, 1903.

999,41 1 Patented Align 1, 191 1.

9 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

I ll

W J warzZ'orw/ NI D S A ES PATENT OFFICE...

ETER w. SOMMER, JOSEPH w. SUMMER, AND WILLIAM SUMMER, or PEORIA;ILLINOIS,

AssIoNO'R'S', BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, To EY T NE TEEL AND WIRECOMPANY, or SOUTH BARTONVILLE, ILL NOIS, A. CORPORATION OF ILLIN IS.

wIRE-FENoE MACHINE.

. To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, PETER W. SOMMER, J OSEPII W. SOMMER, and WVILLIAMSoMMnR, citizens of the United States, residing at Peoria, in the countyof Peoria and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in VVire-Fence Machines; and we do hereby declare that thefollowing is a full, clear, and exact description of'the invention,which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains tomake and use the same. 4

This invention has reference to wire-fence machines, and relates tomachines of the class for manufacturing what is known as square-meshfencin being that type of fence which consists of longitudinal strand orrunning wires tied together by a plural= ity of transverse stays orpicket-wires. In this particular instance the machine is adjusted orarranged to make staggeredsta'y fencing, where th'e'line wires are tiedtogether in pairs by transverse stays or picket-wires that are wound attheir ends about two of the longitudinal strands, and Where the staysare arranged in break-joint fashion. i

One of the Objects of the present invention is to simplify the structureof machines in this class, by feeding the longitudinal strand or linewires approximately contin- I uously but rapidly intermittently andconmeeting therewith in a suitable manner sections of stays orpicket-wires which are previously cut into proper lengths and fedsidewise by suitable movable feeders or picket--wire-magazines whichreceive the stays or picket-wiresfrom suitable receptacles, hoppers ormagazines and deposit the same in a position to be engaged by coiling orwinding devices, whereby their opposite ends may be wrapped or coiledaround adjacent longitudinal strand or line wires.

A further object of the invention is to secure the feeding of thelongitudinal strand or line wires through coilers or winders, preferablydisposed between two .rows of stay or picket wire feeding devices;

said stay or picket-wire feeding devices comprising hoppers, receptaclesor stay or picket-wire containing magazines, each formed withreciprocating slides, and revoluble carriers, feeders, transfermembersor stay or picket-wire magazines, having Specification of LettersPatent.

Application filed September 11, 1903. Serial No. 172,744.

Patented Aug. 1, 19 11.

picket-wire-receiving grooves, for deposit mg the stays or picket-wiresinto position to have their ends coiled around adjacent longitudinalstrand or line wires. A further object of the invention is mechanism forintermittently and successively feeding or. advancing the stay orpicketwires to the line wires.

Further objects and aims of the invention will be further understoodfrom the following specification together with the accompanying drawingsforming a part thereof, in which D Figure 1 is a plan view on a greatlyreduced Scale of our improved machine; Fig. 2 is a side elevationof thesame from one side; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the same from theopposite side; Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the machine somewhatenlarged, and with parts broken away Fig. 5 is a plan View, enlarged, ofthe bed-plate carrying the coilers or winders, stay or picket-containingmagazines or hoppers, and the mechanism coacting with such parts, seeFig. 1; Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section on the line XX, Fig, 5; Fig.7 is a front elevation of parts seen in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a verticalcross-section on the line YY of Fig. 5; Fig. is. an enlarged verticallongitudinal section of a plunger forming one of the details of themachine; Fig. 10 is an enlarged elevation in outline and section of themechanism for imparting reciprocal movement to the sliding sections ofthe picket-containing magazines or hoppers, and for intermittentlyfeeding the stay-sections or pickets; Fig. 11 shows enlarged, inelevation and longitudinal section, also an end view and incross-section, the coiling bed-plate,,showing the'relative arrangementfeeding devices; Figs. 13, 14 and 15 Show enlarged sectional views, ofthe stay or picket-feeding devices and coilers orwinders during thefeeding of the stay or picket of the coilers or winders and stay orpicketwires to the longitudinal or line wires; Figs.

16, 17 and 18 show in plan the devices seen in Figs. 18, 14 and 15; Fig.19 illustrates in elevation the fabric made by our machine; Fig. 20illustrates in plan an edge view of the fabric seen in Fig. 19.

Referring to the several views of the machine, 1 indicates a groundbase, a portion having a of which is covered with flooring 2 on which anoperator .may stand. At the forward end of the base are arranged thestandards 3 supporting a bed-plate 4 which is disposed transversely ofthe base 1.

Journaled in the bed-plate and protruding up through the same a suitabledistance is provided a series of coilers or winders 5 having thelongitudinal openings 6. On the lower end of the coilers or winders ssecured a spiral-gear 7 each of which ntermeshes with a spiralear 8 on alongitudinal shaft 9 journale in suitable bearings secured beneath thebed-plate. The coilers or winders are preferably disposed vertlcally andat graduated distances apart, for the purpose of producing a fencefabric graduated mesh from top to bottom; 'but it is understood that thecoilers or winders may be arranged at uniform distances and operatedwith as good results. Each alternate coiler or winder rotates in anopposite direction, and to accomplish such rotation alternate gears 7are rights and lefts, and are so arranged that the sections of a stay orpicket wire spanning the alternate spaces between the strands in a lineare fed simultaneously and alternately,

which brings the ends of adjacent stay or picket wires, althoughextending laterally in opposite directions, to be actuated successivelyby the same coilers or winders and directs all such coils around thesame strand or line wires in the same direction which may be over orunder. In the upper end of each coiler or Winder is carried a plug 10having a central longitudinal wire openin 11; and 12 indicates 'acoiling pin attache to or forming a part of the plug 10 disposedadjacent to the wire opening 11 therein. The inner end of the plug isprovided with a beveled opening 13 leading to the opening 11, tofacilitate in-p'reliminarily passing a wire through the coilers 5 andthrough the wire opening 11 in the plug 10 and securing the ends of thewires to takeup and wrapping devices to be described.

Supported on the bed-plate upon opposite sides of the coilers or winders5 is a series of receptacles, hoppers or stay or picketwire containingmagazines, formed of the side supports 14 having the inturned front andrear lips 15 forming sectional front and rear walls. The hoppers,receptacles or stay or picket-wire containlng magazines, are eachprov1ded with the incllned reciprocal slides or bottoms 16 extendingforward and rearwardly of said hoppers, receptacles or magazines, andwitlnn the receptacles and extending transversely, the slides are eachprovided with short extensions, ribs, or ridges 17 for a purpose to bedescribed. The outside portions of the slides or bottoms 16 are attachedto the frames 18, and

The sides 14 of the hoppers, receptacles or picket-wire containingmagazines, form bearings through which extend a pair of shafts 22disposed parallel to each other, which are also jonrnaled in thedouble-boxing 23. On the shafts 22 are carried a plurality of disks orequivalent revoluble carriers or feeders 24, which are nothing more thanmovable-transfer-members or picketwire magazines, provided with notchesor picket-wire-receiving grooves 25 at intervals in their peripheries.The disks, feeders or transfer members 24 are so, disposed on the shafts22 that there are two in front of each hopper, receptacle or picket-wirecontainer, one at each end thereof; and 26 are covering plates or guardsfor a portion of such feeders or transfer members. Each pair of disks,feeders or transfer members 24 has all the functions of a revolublepicket-wire magazine, as each of said feeders has wire-receiving groovesinto which are deposited or which receive the staysections orpicket-wires and transfer them to the coilers or winders. Said feedersalso support a plurality of such stay-sections or picket-wireswhile intransit from receiving to delivering position, and thereby may bereferred to as revoluble picket-wire-magazines, the same as though suchmagazines were a solid body carried on shafts 22 instead of spacedfeeders, with the intermediate body portions omitted.

For a better understanding of the machine: The coilers or winders 5 arepreferably arranged in a row extending longitudinally and centrally ofthe bed-plate .4 with their upper portions protruding through thebed-plate. The hoppers, receptacles or stay or picket-wire containingmagazines, are preferably alternately disposed upon opposite sides ofthe coilers or winders, with the coilers or winders adjacent the innerfaces of the feeders or movable-transfer-members 24, and the dispositionof the hoppers, receptacles or stay or picket-wire-containing magazinesis such, that from such receptacles on one side of the coilers orwinders are fed sidewise stay-sections or picket-wires, preferably inbreak-joint fashion, adapted to be coiled around the first and secondstrand wires, the third and fourth strand wires, etc. while from thehoppers or receptacles on the other side are fed short-stay-sections orpicket-wires in break-joint fashion adapted to be coiled or wrappedaround the second andthird strand-wires, the fourth and fifth strandwires, etc. The stay or picket feeding devices of the hoppers,receptacles or magazines, constituting a row upon opposite sides of thecoilers or winders,-are timed in their movements to feed alternately thestay-sections or pickets, which in a completed fabric presents astaggered-stay-fencel Through the coilers or winders are fed the strandor line wires designated as A, direct from suitable reels (not shown) toand around a roller 27 and to the coilers or winders; and in each of thehoppers, receptacles or stay or picket-wire-containing magazines, areplaced a series of stay or picket-sections B, which are slightly longerthan the distance between the centers of the coilers or winders. Thestay or picket-sections will find their way into the channel 21 andthrough the reciprocation of the slides or bottom 16 and their edges 17,the said stay or picketsections will be intermittently and successivelydeposited into the notches or picketwire-receiving grooves 25 of themagazine feeders or transfer members 24 which will advance or carry thesaid stay or picket-sections to a' position where the coiling pins 12 ofthe coilers or winders will coil or wrap the ends of the stay orpicket-sections around adjacent strand or line wires. (See Figs. 13,14., and 15.)

To facilitate in the delivery of the stay or picket-sections to thefeeders or transfer members 24 we have provided the yielding plungers 28carried within the sleeves 29 which are suitably supported within thehoppers or receptacles and disposed so that the plunger will act on thestay orpicket-see tions at a point where the stay or picketsections aregathered up by the notches or picket wire receiving grooves 25 in thefeeders or transfer members. Thus it will be seen, that as the notchesor grooves 25 of the feeders or transfer-members come into properposition, a stay or picket-section Will drop into the notches or groovesof the opposite feeders or transfer members, the moving away of saidfeeders will cause the plunger 28 to be raised by the raising of thestay or picket sections, which will permit the succeeding stay orpicket-sections in the hopper, receptac e or staycontaining magazine tomove adjacent to the peripheral edge of the feeders. and a spring 30will force the plunger to its normal position (see Fig. 13). During therotation of the feeders or transfer members, the stays or picketscarried thereby are held in place by the plates or guards 26. During therotation of the feeders the coilers are so timed in their movement thattheir coiling pins 12w'ill not engage the. ends of the stay or picketsections until they are placed adjacent to the strand are inclineddownwardly (see Fig. 12), then it is that the coiling pins will engagethe stay or picket sections and securely coil or wrap them around thestrand or line wires with the free. ends of the coils moving under", byreason of the upward movement of the strand wires; 'the devices forcausing such movement being hereinafter described.-

Referring to the shaft 9, which is a driving shaft, the same carries onone end the driving pulley 31 and the sprocket wheel 32, and the latterby a chain 33 connecting with a sprocket-wheel 34 drives a shaft 35. Onthe opposite end of shaft 9 is eccentrically carried a rod 36, which atits opposite end is connected to a link 37, which said link is carriedby one of the shafts 22, and has the integral extension 38. To theextension 38 is attached a coupling rod 39 which at its opposite end isattached to a link 40 which is carried by the opposite shaft 22. On eachof the shafts 22, which it is understood carry the disks, rotaryfeeders, transfer members or picket magazines 24, is carried aratchet-wheel 41. The teeth of these ratchet wheels are engaged byspring-pressed pawls 42 carried in tubular bodies 42 having connectionwith the arms or links 38 and 40. There are also carried by the shafts22 the disks 43having corrugated or rolling peripheries 44. Coactingwith such disks are the rolers 45 carried by the extensions 19. Theinner ends of the extensions 19 are bifurcated as at 46 to guide theextensions 19 in their movement. Thusit will be seen, by rotating theshaft 9 movement will be imparted to the shafts 22 through the ratchetand pawl movement, and rotate the shafts toward each other, impartingrotation to the disks, rotary feeders, transfer members or picketmagazines in a step-by-step movement and through the disks 43 androllers 45 reciprocate the bottoms 16 of the hoppers. Springs as at 46connected with the opposite frame parts 18 serve to return the bottomsafter movement by the disks 43.

Referring now to the rear of the machine. a frame support is provided bythe standards 47 and 48 extending up from the base 1. To these supportsare journaled the transverse shafts 49, 50, 51 and 52. On these shaftsare carried pulling-out, take-up rolls or spiders 53, which also serveto crimp the strand or line Wires, and are driven in the followingmanner: 54 denotes a ratchet Wheel secured to the shaft 50, and alsocarried by said shaft are the arms 55 between which is pivotally secureda weighted pawl. 56 adapted to engage with the teeth of the wheel 54 forcausing the shaft 50 to be intermittently rotated. 57 indicates a pitmanbar or rod, at one end pivotally connected at 58 to the arms 55 and itsopposite end pivot-ally connected at 59 to a crank 60, which in turn issecured to rotate with the shaft 35. It is therefore apparent, upon therotation of the shaft 35 and the power devices just described, the pawl56 will be caused to intermittently and successively engage the teeth ofthe wheel 54 and rotate the same. This power is imparted from the shaft50 to the shafts 49, 51, and 52 through gears 61, 62, 63 and 64 carriedby the shafts 49, 50, 51 and 52, respectively. The taking-up rollers orpull-out mechanism are directly connected with a registering or tallyingdevice for registering the number of feet or rods of fence made by themachine. A suitable tallying device indicated as 65 is operated by achain 66 from a sprocket 67 on one end of the take-up shaft 51 (see Fig.2). The

construction of the tallying device is immaterial, but the mode ofoperating the same is a feature of this machine.

A frame, supporting guiding roll ers, is provided for the purpose ofdirecting the finished fabric from the coilers or winders to thepulling-out rollers, comprising suitable beams. 68 supported at theirrear ends on the upper ends of the frame parts 47,

and at their forward ends on the frame parts or uprights 69. Two guidingrollers, referred to as 70 and 71, are provided at the forward and rearends of the beams 68, as shown,

over which the wires are directed and thence down and around thepulling-out rollers (see Fig. 2). The fabric as it leaves the roller 53on the shaft 51 is directed to the wrapper 7 2 on shaft 73, which isjournaled in bearings 74 on the base 1. In Figs.- 1 and 3 is seen themeans actuated by suitable power devices for operating the wrapper.

The pulling-out rollers 53 are so timed in their movements through theconnections described with the shaft 35 as to uniformly draw an equalamount of the several strands or line wires A through the coilersor'winders; and the power connections between shafts 35 and 50 may bevaried, if desired, to regulate the quantity of wire pulled through thecoilers or winders and thereby regulate the space between thestay-sections.

In the present invention we have obviated the necessity of providingcutting mechanism for the stay-wires, as suchwires are fed to form theshort-stay-sections for tying together adjacent strand-wires. Suchcuttingmechanism has heretofore been found necessary in machines formaking a staggered-stay fence, and in doing away with such mechanism wesimplify the working parts and provide for feeding the stay-sectionsvery rapidly.

In the following claims we do not wish to be understood as limitingourselves to the details of construction of the individual,

elements going to make up the several parts or combinations of themachine herein illusnism for coiling the ends of said stay-sectionsaround adjacent strand-wires.

2. In a wire fence machine, thecombination of mechanism for feeding aplurality of strand-wires, mechanism disposed upon opposite sides of thestrand-wires for alternately feeding short sections of stay-wires, andmechanism for coiling the ends of said stay-sections around adjacentstrand wires.

3. In a wire fence machine, the combination of mechanism for feeding aplurality of longitudinal strand-wires, mechanism for feeding sidewisestay-sections in lengths to span the spaces between the strand-wires,and mechanism for coiling the ends of said stay-sections around adjacentstrand-wires.

4L. In a wire fence machine, the combination of mechanism for feeding aplurality of longitudinal strand-wires, mechanism for simultaneouslyfeeding sidewise stay-sections in lengths to span alternate spacesbetween the strand-wires, and mechanism for coiling the ends of saidstay-sections around adjacent strand-wires.

5. In a wire fence machine, the combinalongitudinal strand-wires,mechanism disposed upon opposite sides of the strandwires forintermittently and alternately feeding stay-sections in lengths to spanalternate spaces between the strand-wires, and mechanism forcoiling theends of said staysections around adjacent strand-wires.

6. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersthrough Which longitudinal strand-wires are fed, a plurality of hoppersfrom which stay-sections are fed in lengths to span the spaces betweenthe strand-wires, and mechanism for actuating the coilers.

7. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersthroughwhich longitudinal strand-wires arefed, alternate coilersrotating in opposite directions, a plurality of hoppers fromwhichstay-sections are fed in lengths to span the spaces between thestrand-wires, and mechanism for actuating the coilers.

8. In'a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersthrough which longitudinal strand-wires are fed, a series of hoppersupon opposite sides of the strandwires from which are alternately fedstaytion of mechanism for feeding a plurality of sections in lengths tospan the spaces between the strand-wires, mechanism for delivering thestay-sections from the hoppers to the coilers, and means for actuatingthe coilers.

9. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coiler'sthrough which longitudinal strand-wires are fed, a series of hoppersfrom which stay-sections are fed in lengths to span the spaces betweenthe strand-wires, reciprocating slides supporting said stay-sections inthe hoppers, and revoluble carriers for delivering said staysectionsfrom the slides tothe coilers.

10. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersarranged in line with one another, a power shaft and spiral gearconnections between the coilers and said shaft, revoluble carriersrotating adjacent to said coilers, and mechanism for feedingstay-sections to the coilers,

11. In a wire fence machine, a stay-wire feeding mechanism, comprising areceptacle having a reciprocal bottom, and revoluble carrierscooperating therewith provided with notched peripheries.

, 12. In a wirefence machine, a stay-wire feeding mechanism, comprisinga receptacle having a reciprocal bottom, and a series of intermittentlyrevoluble carriers cooperating therewith provided with notchedperipheries.

13. In a wire fence machine, a stay-wire feeding mechanism, comprising areceptacle having a reciprocal bottom, a covering plate for a portion ofsaid bottom, revoluble carriers cooperating with said. reciprocalbottoms, and a covering plate for a portion of said carriers.

14. In a wire fence machine, a stay-wire feeding mechanism, comprising areceptacle having a slidable bottom, revoluble carriers cooperating withsaid slidable bottom, and yielding plungers suitably supported forregulating the supply of stays to the carriers from the receptacle.

15. In a wire fence machine, a series of hoppers for supportingstay-sections, a slidable bottom for each receptacle, a frame partconnecting the bottoms in v a series, mechanism for actuating the framepart to reciprocate the receptacle bottoms, and a series of revolublecarriers adapted to support the stay-sections cooperating with theslidable bottoms.

16. In a wire fence m'achine, a stay-wire feeding mechanism, comprisinga receptacle having a reciprocal stay-support, a covering plate for aportion of such support, and a channel formed between the said supportand covering plate, a ridge formed on said support for forcing the staysinto said channel, means for reciprocating'said stay-support, and meansfor automatically removing and mechanism for feeding the stays from thesupport.

17 In a wire fence machine, the combination of parallel operatingshaft-s, a series of pairs of stay-section revoluble carriers on saidshafts, stay-wire feeding mechanism comprising a series of receptacleseach having reciprocal bottoms and cooperating with said revolublecarriers, means for rotating said shafts in a step-by-step movement, andmeans for reciprocating the receptacle bottoms. Y

18. In a wire fence machine, the combination of parallel operatingshafts, a series of pairs of stay-section" revolublecarriers on saidshafts, a hopper for each pair of carriers, a reciprocal bottom foreach-hopper,

mechanism for rotating vsaid shafts m a .step-by Step movement,mechanism carried by said shafts for imparting a reciprocal movement tothe hopper bottom in one direction, and yielding devices for imparting areverse movement to the hopper bottoms.

19. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersarranged in a 2 line with one another through which strandwires are fed,parallel operating shafts on each side of the coilers, a series of pairsof stay-section carriers on said shafts, a hopper for each pair ofcarriers, a reciprocal bottom for each hopper, means for reciprocatingthe hopper bottoms in the same row simultaneously, and mechanism foroperating the carrier shafts in a step-by-step movement, the dispositionof said carriers being to deliver succeeding rows of stay-sectionsalternately.

20. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersarranged in line with one another, alternate coilers rotating inopposite directions, a power shaft and right and left spiral gearconnections between the coilers and said shaft, revoluble carriersrotating adjacent to said coilers, stay-sections to the coilers. 21. Ina wire fence machine, stay-wire feeding mechanism, comprising areceptacle having a reciprocal bottom, and a revoluble carriercooperating therewith, substantially as specified.

22. In a wire fence machine, stay-feeding mechanism comprising aninclinedreciprocal feeder, and revoluble, receiving members pioactingtherewith, substantially as speci- 23. In a wire fence machine,stay-feeding mechanism, comprising reciprocal feeders, revolublereceiving members coacting with said feeders, power mechanism, andconnec tions between such power, feeders, and members for simultaneouslyactuating the feeders and members, substantially as specified;

24. In a .wire fence machine, the combination of a bed-plate, aplurality. of vertically disposed coilers in the bed-plate through whichstrand-wires are fed, a drive shaft and connections between the driveshaft and feeding devices, connections between the drive shaft andparallel shafts-for rotating the latter in a step-by-step movement, and

connections between the parallel shafts and reciprocally disposedfeeding devices, for reciprocating the latter.

25. In a fence machine, the combination of a wire stay receptacle, apair of vertically disposed coiling members disposed in, advance of thereceptacle, and means for successively delivering stays from thereceptacle and depositing the opposite ends ofthe stays on the aforesaidcoilers.

26. In a fence machine, the combination of a wire stay receptacle, apair of vertically disposed coiling members in advance of thereceptacle, a pair of revoluble'feeders intermediate the coiling membersand the receptacle, and means for delivering stay sections from thereceptacle vonto the feeders.

27. In a fencemachine, the combination of coiling devices, fence stayretainers located adjacent to the coilers, a feeder forming a part ofsuch retainers, and means for actuating said feeder and therebydelivering stays to the coilers.

28. In a wire fence machine, means for feeding a series of strand-wires,means for feeding sidewise'stays to span the alternate spaces betweensaid strand-wires, and means for connecting the ends of the stays tointersecting strand-wires.

29. In a wire fence machine, means for feeding a series of strand-wires,means for feeding sidewise stays to span the alternate spaces betweensaid strand-wires, and means for simultaneously connect-ing the ends ofa series of stays to intersecting strand-wires.

30. In a wire fence machine, means for feeding a series of strand-wires,means for feeding sidewise a series of short sections of stays, spacedapart, and means for connecting said stays to the said strand-wires.

31. In a wire fence machine, a plurality of' simultaneously actuatedcoiling members, means for feeding strand-wires therethrough, and meansfor feeding stays sidewise to the said strands whereby their ends arecoiled by said coilers about the same.

32. In a wire fence machine, a'plurality of simultaneously actuatedcoiling members, means for feeding strand-wires therethrough, and meansfor feeding sidewise stays to each alternate pair of coilers to beengaged by the same for coiling the ends of said stays about theintersecting strands.

33. In a Wire fence machine, a plurality of coiling members, means forfeeding the strand-wires therethrough, and revoluble feeders foradvancing the stays to said strands, whereby their ends are coiled bysaid coiling members about the same.

k 34. In a wire'fence machine, stay wire feeding mechanism, comprising avibratory feed for the wires, and a movable carrier cope-rating'withsaid feed.

35. In a wire fence machine, stay wirefeeding mechanism, comprising avibratory feed for the wires, and revoluble carriers cooperating wlthsaid feed suitably notched to receive such wires. p 36. Inweft-magazines for wire fence machines, a magazine having a bottomdischarge, a shaft below the discharge, aplurallty of spaced disks onsaid shaft and having notched peripheries for the reception of and meansfor imparting a step-by-step movement to said disks.

38. In weft-magazines for wire fence machines, a magazine, a vibratorydischarge for the wires from the magazine, revoluble feeding diskshaving notched peripheries for receiving the wires from the magazine,guards extending over a portion of the peripheries of the disks andserving to hold the wires in position in the notches, and. ratchet andpawl mechanism in operative connection with said disks for imparting astep-by-step movement thereto.

39. In a wire fence machine, stay feeding mechanism comprising avibratory hopper and rotary feeders coacting therewith.

40. In a wire fence machine, stay feeders consisting of vibratoryhoppers, means for vibrating the hoppers, and rotary disks coactingtherewith, substantially as specified.

41. In a wire fence machine, stay feeders consisting of a series ofhoppers, rotary .disks coacting with the hoppers and provided withnotches in their peripheries, and means for depositing the stays on thedisks from the hoppers.

42. In a wire fence machine, stay feeding mechanism comprising avibratory hopper, means for vibrating the hopper, rotary feeders locatedbeneath the hopper, and guides for the stays located intermediate thehopper and the rotary feeders. Y

43. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a series of hoppersdisposed alternately to each other in opposite rows, rotary feederscoacting with the hoppers and provided with notches in theirperipheries, and means for feeding stays from the hoppers to thefeeders.

44. In a wire fence machine, the oombina- 1 wire feed plate arranged tobe operated by tion with a vibratory hopper for containing i said memberfor controlhng the supply of stay sections, of intermittently revolublefeeders coacting with the hopper and having notches in their peripheriesfor the reception of the stay sections as they are delivered by thehopper.

45. In a wire fence machine, the combination with strand wire feedingmechanism, of stay feeding mechanism comprising a series of vibratoryhoppers and rotary feeders coacting therewith adapted to receive thestays and deliver them to the strand wires.

46. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a series of hoppers forcontaining stay sections, the said hoppers disposed alternately inopposite rows, a driving shaft extending longitudinally beneath thehop-q pers of each row, revoluble stay feeders carried by the saidshafts and disposed beneat-h the hoppers, means for vibratingthe hoppersand for dropping the stay sections successively upon the feeders, andmeans for intermittently rotating said feeders,

47. In a machine for making a wire fencing comprising a plurality oflongitudinally extending strand wires and cross wires con necting them,the combination with means for supporting the strand wires, of aplurality of hoppers each adapted to contain cross wires previously cutto the required length, devices for feeding said cross wiressuccessively from the hoppers to each pair of adjacent strand wires, andmeans for connecting the ends of said cross wires to adjacent strandwires.

48. In a machine for making a wire fencing comprising three or morelongitudinally extending strand wires and a plurality of cross wireseach connecting two of said strand wires into pairs, a plurality ofhoppers each adapted to contain cross wires previously cut to therequired length, devices for feeding said cross wires successively fromthe hoppers to each pair of strand wires, and means for uniting saidcross wires to the strands.

49. In a machine for making wire fencing. the combination with means forsuit ably supporting the strand wires, and winders adapted to receivethe strand wires and apply cross-wires thereto, of means for engagingthe strand wires and guiding them wires to the latter.

52. In a machine for makingwire fencing, the combination with the bedvhaving suitable means for supporting the strand- 53. In a machine formanufacturing wire I fencing, the combination with a bed having suitablemeans for supporting the strandwires, of cross-wire winders arranged ina plurality of rows extending transversely of the strands, the windersof each row being grouped in pairs, across-wire supply for each pair ofwinders in each row, said winders being arranged to simultaneouslyconnect the opposite ends of each cross-wire on the strand wires so asto span the alternate spaces between the strand wires.

54. In a wire fence machine, the combination of mechanism forintermittently advancing a plurality of strand wires, a plurality ofhoppers, each hopper adapted to contain previously-formed stay sections,means for feedingstay sections one at a time from each hopper, and meansfor receiving the single stay section fed from each hopper anddelivering the same to the strand wires, substantially as described.

55. In a wire fence machine, the combination with means for supportingand feeding a plurality of running-wires therethrough, of a picket-wiremagazine consisting of a rotating drum having formed in its periphery aplurality of picket-wire-receiving grooves, means for introducingpicket-wires into said grooves, and means for advancing said magazinestep-by-step, whereby the picket-wires may be successively advanced fromreceiving position.

56. In a wire fence machine, the combination of mechanism for feeding aplurality of longitudinal strand-wires, mechanism for simultaneouslyfeeding sidewise a plurality of axially alined stay-sections, each ofwhich is adapted to connect two spaced strand-wires, and mechanism forcoiling the ends of said stay-sections around said strand-wiresL 57. Ina wire fence machine, the combi nation of mechanism for feeding aplurality of longitudinal strand-wires, mechanism for simultaneouslyfeeding sidewise a plurality of stay-sections, alternate sections ofwhich are in axial alinement and each section being adapted to connecttwo spaced strandwires, and mechanism' for coiling the ends of sa1dstay-sections around said strandwires.

58. In a Wire-fence machine, the combi nation of a plurality ofvertically disposed r above the coilin members over which the completedfence 1s fed, and a reel to take up the completed fence. v

59. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality ofverticallydisposed coiling members through which strandwires are fed, transfermechanism for moving sidewise a plurality of short stay-wires formingthe sections of transverse stays, and to deliver the same onto saidcoiling members, means for feeding said stay-wires to the transfermechanism, means disposed above the coiling members over which thecompleted fence is fed, and a reel to take up the completed fence.

60. In a Wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality of coilersarranged in line with one another through which strand- Wires are fed,gear wheels on the lower ends of each coiler, a driving shaft common to.all coilersand having a plurality of gear wheels in mesh with the gearwheels on the coilers, and mechanism for feeding sidewise short-sectionsof stays to adjacent coilers.

61. In a wire fence machine, means for feeding a series of strand-wires,means for feeding sidewise stay lengths to span the spaces .betweenadjacent strand-wires, and' means for simultaneously connecting the endsof said stay lengths to adjacent strand wires.

62. In a wire fence machine, the combination of a plurality ofvertically disposed coiling members through which strandwires are fed,transfer mechanism for moving sidewise stay-sections and to deliver thesame onto said coiling members, and mechanism for feeding saidstay-sections to said transfer mechanism.

63. In a wire fence machine, in combination, a plurality ofwire-connecting mechi anisms, means for intermittently feeding aplurality of strand wires, transfer mechanism for feeding sidewisestraight stay wires to position to be connected to said strand wires,and means for feeding said straight stay Wires to said transfermechanism.

" 64:. In a wire fence machine, in combination, wire-connectingmechanisms, means for intermittently feeding strand wires, transfermechanism for moving sidewise a straight stay length and locating thesame in position to be connected to said strand wires, and means forfeeding said straight stay length to said transfer mechanism.

65. In a wire fence machine, in combination, wire-connecting means, gearmechanisms operatively connected with said wireconnecting means, adriving shaft operatively connected with said gear mechanisms, means forintermittently feeding strand wires, transfer mechanism for movingsidewise a straight stay length and locating the same in position to beconnected to said strand wires, and means for feeding said straight staylength to said transfer mechanism.

66. In a wire fence machine, in combination, a. plurality of stay-wirecoiling members, a gear wheel connected with each coiling member, meansfor intermittently feeding strand wires through said coiling members, anoperating shaft disposed transversely to said coiling members andcarrying a plurality of gear wheels in operative connection with thegear wheels of said coiling members, transfer mechanism for movingsidewise a straight stay length and locating the same in position to beconnected to said strand wires, and means for feeding said straight staylength to said transfer mechanism.

In testimony whereof we afiix our signatures, in presence of twowitnesses.

PETER W. SOMMER. JOSEPH W. SOMMER. WILLIAM SOMMER. Witnesses:

CHAs. F. BAILEY, L. Wilson.

